Making their voices heard

A NEW program is giving young Tasmanians a chance to have their voices heard — and take their concerns to the top.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People Ambassador Program has recruited 193 ambassadors — including 111 in the state’s South — aged 9 to 17.

Ambassadors have the chance to meet with Commissioner Leanne McLean to share their opinions and ideas, learn about and promote the rights of children and young people, and complete special projects.

Ms McLean said the ambassadors came from a range of life experiences, cultural backgrounds and geographic locations.

“The ambassador program is really about engaging more children and young people in Tasmania in the work of the Commissioner for Children and Young People,” Ms McLean said.

“When I talk about the work, I mean empowering the voices of children and young people in Tasmania, so getting a better understanding of what matters to them and then that helps drive my work.”

Cosgrove High School student Amelia Hooper, 14, is among those who applied to be an ambassador.

“It’s a good opportunity for me to have my voice heard, and [speak about] issues that I think there is in teenage students’ lives,” Amelia said.

Ms McLean said ambassadors had a clear idea of what was important.

The main themes included education and opportunities, climate change and the environment, bullying and mental health, safety, access to necessities, services and support, participation and recognition of children and young people, and equity and diversity.

Ambassadors will meet with Ms McLean again in August, then political leaders Will Hodgman, Rebecca White and Cassy O’Connor will meet with ambassadors at a statewide forum in October to workshop the issues.